Responsible Ownership

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Overview

Having pets is a basic right for Burdekin residents and one of the great joys of our community, but everyone who owns an animal must be aware of the responsibility it brings as well as the community’s expectations about responsible pet management.Owning a pet is great fun, but it does come with responsibility. Much of being a responsible pet owner is understanding your pet’s needs and being aware of your responsibilities to the community.

Details

Dog owners should do a few simple things to keep their pets out of trouble and their neighbours happy:-

Make sure your dog is properly fenced in at home with an adequate sized fence and gate. Also make sure the fence is low enough your dog can’t dig under, strong enough your dog can’t push it over and hole proof so that your dog can’t escape or attack people through it;

Buy your dog a good leash no longer than two metres long and USE it when outside your property;

DON’T allow your dog to wander. Roaming dogs are at risk of being seized by the local Council Compliance Officer;

Train them not to bark excessively;

Stop them from being aggressive so that your pet doesn’t hurt other animals or people;

Clean up after your dog, especially in public areas (parks, etc) using a plastic or paper bag. Remember, you are legally required to clean up after your pet;

Register your dog within 14 days of ownership and make sure it wears its tag at all times. An attached name-tag with your address is always helpful.;

Inform Council of any changes to your registration details within 7 days;

Any dogs or cat born after 1st July 2010 must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age. Anyone who supplies (this includes sell, give or exchange) an animal is responsible for the microchipping;

Vaccinate your dog by consulting your local veterinarian; and

A well exercised dog makes a contented pet, so responsible pet owners need to make time to regularly exercise their animals.

A DOG OWNER WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE REGULATIONS CAN BE FINED ON THE SPOT OR HAVE THEIR DOG IMPOUNDED.

Who to contact

For more information please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 or email